INITIAL STEPS IN PLACING ELECTRODES

  • Place the electrodes in the positions shown. (Figure 01) Specifically the chest leads are positioned at:
    V1: 4th intercostal space, right sternal border
    V2: 4th intercostal space, left sternal border
    V3: midway between V2 and V4 on a line joining these two points
    V4: interspace in which apex is located (5th or 6th); mid clavicular line
    V5: anterior auxiliary line; on same level with V4
    V6: mid auxiliary line; on same level with V4 and V5
  • Connect the leads to the electrodes before placing them on the patient
  • Pick up the electrode and remove its backing. Do not handle the adhesive area and do not disturb the gel in the center
  • Apply the electrodes to the patient by gently pressing the adhesive edges down to insure that the electrodes are making good contact. Do not press on the center of the gel-based electrodes
  • Make sure the patient box is Attached to the PC, and the leads are properly connected to the patient box
Note: if the electrode wrinkles-ups, discard and replace with a new electrode